CVE-2011-10012 in Remote Control Client
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2025
NetOp (now part of Impero Software) Remote Control Client v9.5 is vulnerable to a stack-based buffer overflow when processing .dws configuration files. If a .dws file contains a string longer than 520 bytes, the application fails to perform proper bounds checking, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code when the file is opened.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-10012 affects NetOp Remote Control Client version 9.5, which is now part of Impero Software's product suite. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation within the application's handling of .dws configuration files. The affected software operates as a remote control solution that allows administrators to manage and monitor systems remotely, making it a potentially attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to networked environments. The vulnerability manifests specifically when the application processes configuration files that contain strings exceeding 520 bytes in length, indicating a fundamental failure in memory management and bounds checking mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability constitutes a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where the application fails to validate the length of input data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. According to CWE-121, this maps directly to stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The specific threshold of 520 bytes suggests that the application allocates a buffer of exactly 520 bytes or slightly larger, but does not enforce proper bounds checking before copying user-supplied data. This flaw enables attackers to craft malicious .dws files that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, trigger the overflow condition and potentially allow for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within networked environments. The attack vector requires social engineering to convince users to open the malicious .dws file, but once executed, the vulnerability allows for privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. According to ATT&CK framework reference T1203, this vulnerability could be leveraged for execution through legitimate user interfaces, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open compromised configuration files. The remote control nature of the software means that successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to systems that may otherwise be protected by network segmentation, potentially enabling lateral movement and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates from Impero Software, as the vendor would have likely released patches addressing the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent execution of untrusted .dws files, particularly in environments where users may encounter such files from external sources. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while user education regarding suspicious file attachments remains crucial. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and bounds checking in software development practices, particularly for applications handling external configuration data. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts through malformed configuration files, as this type of vulnerability often leaves detectable traces in system logs and network traffic patterns.